What to Expect After an IUD Insertion

In-office

  • Mild to moderate discomfort/pain on Day 0 (day of procedure): A drug like Genpayne should be enough.
  • Recovery time: Initial pain usually alleviates within 5 to 30 minutes after the procedure. A minority of patients may require extra recovery time before leaving.
  • Spotting: Expected for approximately one to two weeks (may be longer with hormonal devices).
  • Daily activities: Resumption of normal activities on Day 1 (back to work).
  • Exercise: from Day 2.
  • Sexual activity: from Day 2. NB: Extra contraception is required for the first week (abstain or condoms)
  • Antibiotics is usually prescribed.

NB: All of the above applies unless Dr. La Grange has given you other specific, individual instructions.

Abnormal Symptoms:

(Please contact the practice or the after-hours number if you experience any of the following)

  • Gradually worsening cramps
  • Fever
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Rash
  • Device strings visible at vaginal orifice

Under sedation

  • Mild to moderate discomfort/pain on Day 0 (day of procedure) A drug like Genpayne should be enough.
  • Most patients are discharged within 45 to 60 minutes from the start of the procedure. NB: You must arrange to be driven home. Using an Uber or taxi is ill-advised.
  • Spotting: Expected for approximately one to two weeks (may be longer with hormonal devices).
  • Daily activities: Resumption of normal activities on Day 1 (back to work).
  • Exercise from Day 2.
  • Sexual activity from Day 2. NB: Extra contraception is required for the first week (abstain or condoms)
  • Antibiotics is usually prescribed.
  • NB: All of the above applies unless Dr. La Grange has given you other specific, individual instructions.

Abnormal symptoms:

(Please contact the practice or the after-hours number if you experience any of the following)

  • Gradually worsening cramps
  • Fever
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Rash
  • Device strings visible at vaginal orifice

NB: It is strongly advised to arrange a follow-up appointment if, at 6 weeks, you cannot feel the IUD strings during a single-digit self-exam (as advised during your pre-procedure counseling).